Voice of the Conservative Vote: Joan Huffman

Senator Joan Huffman was re-elected to the Texas Senate for a full term in 2010. She was first elected in 2008 after winning a special election to fill the vacated office of Senate District 17. Prior to serving in the Senate, Huffman served as a prosecutor in Harris County, and was twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court, where she earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law.

During the 82nd Legislative Session, Senator Huffman served on several key committees which impact the overall operation and efficiency of state government. She currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, and is a member of the State Affairs, Health and Human Services, Jurisprudence and Higher Education Committees.

In 2009, Huffman was appointed to serve a four year term on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. The Commission is charged with reviewing the functions, operations, and purpose of state agencies and to identify and eliminate waste, duplication, and inefficiency in government programs. Under the Commission's review of 29 agencies in 2011, six agencies will be abolished, four will undergo a re-review, and the state will see a positive fiscal impact of $161 million over the next two years. The Commission is scheduled to review 23 more agencies in preparation for the 83rd Legislative Session.

She was additionally appointed by Governor Perry to serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Governor's Criminal Justice Advisory Council, which advises the governor on the operations and performance of specialty courts to ensure the rights of participants are protected.

Senator Huffman's leadership has been acknowledged by numerous chambers of commerce, civic, and local advocacy groups. Recently, Huffman was recognized as a "Fighter for Free Enterprise" by the Texas Association of Business and a "Taxpayer Champion" with an A+ rating from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility for her work during the 82nd Legislative Session. . She was named a "Big Voice for Little Texans" by Court Appointed Special Advocates and was the sole Senate recipient of the "Champion of Social Change Award" from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. Additionally, she was listed as an "Honor Roll" member by the Texas Association of REALTORS and received the Law & Order Award from the Texas District and County Attorneys Association for her efforts to improve victims' protections and the criminal justice system.

Huffman also received the "Patient Care Champion Award" by the Harris County Medical Society and the "Civil Justice Award" from Texans for Lawsuit Reform.

Senator Huffman earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, and began her distinguished career in public service with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. As a secretary, Huffman was inspired by the work of the prosecutors and decided to attend law school. She took night classes at South Texas School of Law while serving as a legal intern and secretary.

Upon earning her law degree, Huffman was hired as a prosecutor and advanced from misdemeanor court to Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force. She served as lead prosecutor in over 100 jury trials, including murders, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies, and sexual assaults of children.

Senator Huffman lives with her family in Southside Place.

“Justice David Medina has my vote and my solid support. Pro-business and pro-family groups across Texas are also supporting his re-election.” - Senator Joan Huffman